The Deep-Sea Biology research group studies the biodiversity, physiology, ecology and evolution of microbes and animals living in deep-sea ecosystems. We use an interdisciplinary research approach by integrating data from multiple sources (molecular, biochemical, (micro)biological, and geochemical).
One of our target environments, deep-sea hydrothermal vents, host diverse and highly specialized ecosystems adapted to extreme ecological conditions. We are exploring this unique biodiversity for metabolic traits and as a resource for novel biomolecules for human exploitation.
Deep-sea ecosystems are reservoirs of largely unknown biodiversity and are already under pressure from multiple anthropogenic and climate stressors. We engage in conservation questions and studies of human impacts of deep-sea benthic ecosystems.